After a strike lasting 146 days, there is a glimmer of hope as the Writers Guild of America and AMPTP (studios/streamers) over the weekend reached a tentative deal with a three-year contract. Nothing is concrete just yet as members of the WGA still have to vote on the deal. The limited contract would mean the two sides would have to reunite in a couple of years. But, fingers crossed, if the membership accepts this means writers will be able to get back to work as they did seemingly get what they were asking for.

In an official statement from the union posted on Twitter: “The WGA and AMPTP have reached a tentative agreement. This was made possible by the enduring solidarity of WGA members and extraordinary support of our union siblings who stood with us for over 146 days. More details coming after contract language is finalized.”

“We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional — with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership,” the WGA negotiating committee on Sunday night in a message to its 11, 500 members.

As pointed out by the Los Angeles Times, the proposed three-year contract would boost pay rates, residual payments for streaming shows, and impose new rules surrounding the use of artificial intelligence. However, it still needs to be ratified by the union’s 11,500 members. More specific details about the contract are expected to come in the following days leading up to the membership vote.

This comes as the biggest actors’ union SAG-AFTRA (membership said to be 160,000) is also still on the picket line and has yet to make its own deal with the AMPTP.

The WGA and AMPTP have reached a tentative agreement. This was made possible by the enduring solidarity of WGA members and extraordinary support of our union siblings who stood with us for over 146 days. More details coming after contract language is finalized. #WGAStrike pic.twitter.com/GBg2wZBwGB

— Writers Guild of America West (@WGAWest) September 25, 2023

SOURCE: WGA/LOS ANGELES TIMES